The pandemic has thrown countless aspects of life into disarray, and for me, the inability to make any plans has been particularly challenging. My partner’s family has expressed a desire for us to visit after his school year ends, but the thought of traveling during this crisis fills me with anxiety. It feels impossible to predict how safe it will be to make that drive along the coast. What about our summer beach trip? While Nags Head has reopened, I can’t be sure whether visiting will be safe, especially if we avoid rest stops. The uncertainty surrounding next year’s school arrangements adds to my stress: will my partner be teaching in person? How often? Will students be required to wear masks? The hardest part of navigating this pandemic is not knowing what the future holds.
I yearn to tell my kids that we’ll be exploring state parks this summer, but I can’t make that promise. I have no way of knowing whether social distancing measures will be followed in our area, or if the parks will be overcrowded. Even a simple excursion to a nearby park seems daunting, given the risk of encountering unmasked individuals. The beach trip, which we typically look forward to every summer, is clouded by uncertainty. Though our vacation rental appears to be available, I can’t trust that everyone will adhere to safety protocols during the journey. A study published in Nature indicates that COVID-19 transmission is often heightened in restroom areas, making it difficult for me to feel comfortable using roadside facilities.
When my son inquires about seeing his friends again, I struggle to contain my frustration. “One day,” is the best I can offer, as homeschooling affords me some control over when they might socialize again. But even that is uncertain—will it happen in August? September? I can’t predict whether it will be safe for my children to interact with their peers, especially given the challenges of mask compliance among kids. The thought of planning Halloween costumes feels pointless when I don’t even know if trick-or-treating will be allowed. Will people throw candy from a distance? Should I consider dressing them as healthcare workers?
As I reflect on the future, I realize I can’t even plan for significant family events. Christmas is a mystery—my in-laws are still holding onto gifts from last year. My grandfather, who lives in a nursing home, has been absent from my life for over a year. I can’t bear the thought that I may never see him again. The uncertain timeline for the nursing home’s reopening weighs heavily on my mind, and the possibility of losing older relatives without being able to attend their funerals is a painful reality I must face.
Even mundane tasks seem insurmountable. I can’t schedule a spay appointment for our puppy because I can’t reach the vet’s office. Regular check-ups for my kids are fraught with complications; telehealth options are inconsistent, and I’ve been faced with hostile responses when seeking in-person visits.
My planner is void of activities—no playdates, no vacations—just an empty calendar stretching ahead of me with no end in sight. While I don’t mind the isolation itself, the inability to plan anything is the toughest part of this pandemic for me. As Tom Petty famously said, the waiting is indeed the hardest part.
In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our ability to make plans, leaving many of us grappling with uncertainty about both everyday activities and special events. This overwhelming unpredictability can be incredibly stressful as we navigate life during these challenging times.
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